Both U.S. theater-goers and analysts are noticeably down on 3D movies this year. But in 2010, the industry saw a huge surge over the previous year. While it's too soon to say how the format will fare when 2011 wraps, analysts believe its attractiveness outside America will only help.
Research firm IHS iSuppli found that 3D films earned $6.1 billion globally last year. In 2009, total ticket sales for 3D films topped out at $2.5 billion. Though the U.S. remains far and away the top dog of theatrical 3D - earning nearly $2 billion last year - its market share dropped around 10 percent from 2009 to 2010. International markets, however, have grown. Charlotte Jones, IHS senior cinema analyst, confirmed the worldwide boost was a key motivator for 3D proliferation. Global ticket sales in 2010 reached almost 20 percent.
"This run of exceptional growth in international markets has been instrumental in achieving a current worldwide total in excess of 30,000 3D screens at June 2011, more than double the number at the same point last year," said Jones, who pointed out that "one in four of the world's screens" can now play 3D movies.
Jones added that U.S. films remain the go-to choice for international audiences seeking 3D entertainment; Hollywood blockbusters make up "more than 90 percent of revenue" earned by foreign 3D theaters.
IHS named Japan and the UK as the number two and three (respectively) countries in regard to 3D revenue. The former earned the equivalent of $471 million, while the latter saw $427 million in 3D ticket sales. France and Russia rounded out the top 5.
With the domestic summer blockbuster period drawing to a close, many 3D films couldn't compete with their 2D counterparts' ability to put butts into seats. Add in global figures however, and it's a whole different ball game. For instance, the 3D version of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" turned in well over half of the film's $260 million international opening. In the U.S., "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" topped charts and broke records, but mostly on the strength of vanilla 2D screenings.
How many 3D movies did you see in theaters last year? In 2011 (so far)? Let us know in the comment section.
